Enthusiastic Delaney focuses on twin targets

LIFE could not be much better for Hull City’s Damien Delaney. Well, unless you were to throw in another international cap or two.

The former Cork City defender played 36 games in the third division with City last season and his refreshing enthusiasm and a secure contract ensures that the future looks bright.

The powerful 6’4" defender was twice capped at U21 level but hasnot figured in recent years. Said Delaney, who will not be 21 until July 29. “The U21s are gone for me because they have only a couple of matches left and I think maybe Don Givens is building for the future by bringing in younger players which is fair enough. But obviously I’d like to play for Ireland, I’d love to play for Ireland, everybody would.”

Delaney spent a couple of weeks of the summer back home with his parents in Donnybrook, Cork, and took the opportunity to check out the progress of his former colleagues at Cork City. And while reflecting on his international experiences he expanded on a perception that is general outside of Dublin.

He said: “I played soccer in Cork, with Avondale and Cork City, and I actually had to go to England to play for Ireland. I suppose it happens a lot, doesn’t it.

“I guarantee that if you look at the U14 and U15 Irish squads they will almost all be Dublin players. That’s just the way it is. But there are plenty of players in Cork who are good enough to be up there as well.”

Delaney has been in England for three years but he remains the modest and ambitious young player who packed his bags for Leicester City when Colin Murphy flirted with the job of managing Cork and instead signed for Leicester. The tie-up between the two clubs kick-started Delaney’s professional career.

One of the sacrifices he had to make when he opted for soccer was a highly promising gaelic football career. He played for

Coláiste Chríost Rí and St. Michael’s and in 1999 was a hugely influential player with Cork minors. He helped Cork beat Kerry by 16 points but then they failed to Mayo in the All-Ireland semi-final. Delaney was at midfield in that team and scored 2-2, including a first minute goal.

Curiously hurling never grabbed his attention even though his father, Finbarr, was an outstanding goalkeeper with Blackrock. Finbarr was also an accomplished gaelic footballer with St. Michael’s and a soccer goalkeeper with Ringmahon Rangers.

Damien ruefully reflected on the perceived neglect of players outside of Dublin for international honours, but showed his modesty by stressing that his disappointment related to the general body of footballers, not to himself.

He took a very pragmatic view of his own experiences and his optimism shone brightly: “I don’t mind (about myself) because I know that if I sort my club career out things will work out.

“Next year I’ll be looking to play 50 games for Hull and hopefully then after that if we get promoted and if we get settled, maybe in the first division, I’d love to get involved in Brian Kerr’s teams, I’d love it.

“That’s all I’m focusing on at the moment, just to do help get Hull promoted and then hopefully the Ireland honours will follow.”

Delaney played for Peter Taylor when he first joined Leicester City and followed Taylor to Hull City. He was on loan with Mansfield Town early last season when Taylor offered him a three-year contract and cash-strapped Leicester were happy to accept Hull’s transfer fee.

He played centre-back, left-back and central midfield for Hull , although centre-back is his preferred position. “I left Leicester City was to play football on a regular basis. I’d play three matches a week if they had them, the more matches you play the better player you can become.”

With such a happy outlook on life and a secure contract the future looks bright.

He said: “I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone by; three years and it only seems like yesterday I was training with Paul Bowdren in Turner’s Cross with the youths team. Since I left it has just been a roller-coaster, it’s a great career and I love it.”